Putrefaction
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Putrefaction is the decomposition of animal proteins, especially by anaerobic microorganisms, described as putrefying bacteria. Decomposition is a more general process. Putrefaction usually results in amines such as putrescine and cadaverine, which have a putrid odor. Material that is subject to putrefaction is called putrescible.
In alchemy, putrefaction is the same as fermentation, basically meaning to allow the substance to rot or decompose, sometimes with a small sample of the desired original pure material to act as a "seed".
Etymology
From Latin putridus (“rotten, decayed”), from pūtreō (“I am rotten or putrid”), from puter (“rotten, decaying, putrid”).
Putrid
- Rotting, rotten, being in a state of putrefaction.
- of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction, especially having a bad smell, like that of a rotten flesh.
- Vile, disgusting.
- morally corrupt
- totally objectionable
See also
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